By Emma Sturgis
Most people suffer a sprain or broken bone in their life. If you are alone or in a remote area when this occurs, you could be in danger. You should be aware of some basic facts to help you diagnose and treat yourself until you can get medical attention.
Figure out whether it is sprained or broken
Bruising or swelling can be a sign of a fracture. If your arm or leg is bending in a way it wasn’t meant to, that’s a pretty obvious indicator that it’s broken. If you feel like there’s gravel crunching in the area, that means that broken bits of bone are rubbing together.
Dealing with a sprain
Sprains are dealt with using the “PRINCE” system:
- Protection: Use a brace or cushion to support the sprain. Wrap it in a bandage if possible for 1 to 2 days.
- Rest: Do not use the injured area if at all possible. The sprain will heal faster if it is not agitated further.
- Ice: You should apply ice to the area for a total of 2 hours each day. This should be done for 3 days.
- NSAIDS: NSAIDS are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol or ibuprofin. Take them for the pain.
- Compression: Wrap the area over the brace. Make it secure but not tight. You will know it is too tight if you feel numbness or swelling.
- Elevation: Raise the injured limb to heart level to minimize swelling. Hold at this elevation for at least two hours each day.
Dealing with a broken bone
A broken bone is a more severe matter. Once you have determined that it is broken, you should call 911 or have someone take you to a medical facility. You should avoid moving if possible, as you could make the fracture worse.
The next thing to do is to stop any bleeding. You can do this by applying pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Do not try to move the fractured bone back in to place. Professionals are trained to splint in this manner, and it is not a safe thing to do if you are untrained. A specialist in onsite advanced medical services in Grande Prairie advises that the best thing to do is try to minimize movement and protect the injured area from anything which could come into contact with it.
Apply ice to the area. Wrap the ice in a towel to keep it on the fracture.
It is possible you will go into shock. If you feel faint, sweaty, or are having trouble breathing, lay down and elevate your legs. Relax and focus on taking deep breaths until you find your breathing evening out naturally.
The most important thing is to remain calm and to get professional help swiftly. Following these steps could save your life and prevent further, more traumatic injury.
Informational Credit to 911 Industrial Response Inc